Marijuana is just one drug abused by youths.
Many reasons are often cited by youths for engaging in drug use and abuse: boredom, depression, non-acceptance by peers and major life changes – such as parental divorce – just to name a few. Drugs abused by youths include hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, narcotics and inhalants. To combat teenage drug abuse, parents and educators must stay on top of what drugs are “hot” and how best to prevent serious problems from occurring.
The best solution to drug addiction is to prevent it in the first place. While established addicts can overcome their dependence and find a measure of peace, it often wreaks untold damage in the process.
Friends and family members suffer as they watch their loved ones disintegrate. The sooner one steps in to stop the addiction, the better.
Signs of drug abuse often appear long before any concrete evidence does. Symptoms vary by drug, but often accompany a deterioration in appearance, a loss of interest in school or work, radical changes in social life, weight loss, odd sleeping habits and an overall downturn in emotional health. If you spot them in someone close to you, talk to them about it rather than ignoring it. Apply a similarly objective eye
to your own habits if you use drugs. Denial and delusion play a huge part in addiction because the user refuses to confront the extent of his problem. Ask yourself whether your drug use is negatively affecting other parts of your life.
Respect the power of any drug you put in your body, and that includes prescription drugs. Keep in regular contact with your doctor and talk to her about any medication you might be taking. Follow the instructions for your prescription to the letter and do not deviate from them in any way.
Communication is the No. 1 means of preventing drug abuse, especially with young people. Talk to those around you who might use drugs and establish an atmosphere of trust that fosters communication. If you have children, discuss drug use with them and let them know they can come to you with any concern. Listen when they talk, and don’t dismiss their concerns about things like peer pressure. A bond of openness established before the other person reaches the age of potential drug abuse not only reduces the risk of addiction, but makes him more willing to come to you if a problem does develop.
Drug user, you won’t go far.
Say No To Drug!